Which mountain is sacred across multiple religions?

The majestic Mount Kailash, nestled in the remote reaches of the Himalayas in western Tibet, is one of the most revered mountains in the world, one that holds a sacred space in the hearts of many.

Mount Kailash, a towering symbol of spiritual reverence, remains unclimbed, its sanctity preserved across multiple religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Mount Kailash is often described as the spiritual heart of the universe, drawing pilgrims from across the globe to undertake its arduous circumambulation, known as the kora or parikrama.

Mount Kailash’s significance across religions

For the Hindus

The Hindus believe that Mount Kailash is the divine abode of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation.

It is believed that Lord Shiva resides at the mountain’s summit with his consort Parvati. Hindu scriptures also describe Kailash as the terrestrial manifestation of the mythical Mount Meru, the spiritual center connecting heaven and earth.

For the Jains

Mount Kailash is an important pilgrimage site for Jains, as they believe it is around here that Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, attained moksha (liberation). The nearby Astapada Mountain is believed to be the precise location of his enlightenment.

For the Buddhists

In Buddhism, particularly among Tibetan Buddhists, Kailash is associated with Demchok (Chakrasamvara), a deity representing supreme bliss and enlightenment. The mountain is a focal point for spiritual practice. The kora or circumambulation is considered a path to purify negative karma. Buddhists also believe that the great yogi Milarepa meditated in one of the caves in Mount Kailash.

For the Bonpos

In the Bon tradition, Tibet’s ancient indigenous religion, Kailash is known as Tagzig Olmo Lung Ring, a sacred center of the universe and the seat of spiritual power.

For Bonpos, Mount Kailash is the eternal home of their founder, Tonpa Shenrab. The Bonpos undertake the kora in a counterclockwise direction.

The kora around Mount Kailash is approximately 52 kilometres, and is one of the most revered pilgrimages in the world. No matter how challenging the terrain is, it has never stopped thousands of pilgrims annually to do the circumambulation. The highest point on the kora trek is the Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters.

ISome believe that completing 108 circumambulations ensures moksha.A place called Darchen is where the pilgrimage begins. It follows a path dotted with colourful monasteries, prayer flags, and sacred sites, such as Lake Manasarovar., which is located nearby, and is considered as the female counterpart of Kailash.For many, Mount Kailash is a bridge between the earthly and the divine. As long as its slopes remain sacred, Mount Kailash will continue to inspire awe and devotion.